20 ways to save on travel in Australia
Here we look at 20 ways to save big on your next travel adventure around Australia.
1. Pick the right time
Avoid travelling during school holidays or over long weekends if you don’t want to pay a premium.
2. Plan your money
Remember that many stores will charge a fee for using credit cards and that ATMs from other providers can charge up to $2.50 for each withdrawal. Plan your cash withdrawals carefully or invest in a fee-free travel card.
3. Find free Wi-Fi
Using lots of data can quickly run up a huge bill, so be on the lookout for free Wi-Fi hotspots. Most state tourist have a section on their websites where you can search for them, or try shopping centres, libraries and cafes.
4. Try a home stay
Sites like Airbnb and Stayz have listings all around the country and you could find a great deal on a spare room or a whole house. You’ll also get the chance to live like a local.
5. Pitch your tent
You can’t get much cheaper than camping! And Australia has some incredible campsites where you can pitch your tent right on the beach, in a national park or even on an island in Sydney Harbour.
6. Become a housesitter
There are a number of sites specialising in housesitting around Australia. Sign up and you could soon be holidaying for free – you’ll just have to water the plants.
7. Use your concession card
Public transport can be expensive, so make sure you take advantage of the seniors or pensioner discounts on offer. Remember that you will probably have to carry your ID with you when you travel.
8. Take the train
Seniors get great discounts on regional train travel around Australia and can pay as little as $2.50 for a journey. Plus it’s a great way to see the countryside.
9. Travel for free
Many capital cities offer a free shuttle or tram around the CBD. It stops at all the major tourist sites and is the easiest way to get around, all without spending a penny.
10. Sign up for Uber
Most major cities are now onboard with this ridesharing service and the prices can be a fraction of what taxis cost. You’ll also get some free credit when you download the app, which will pay for your first couple of trips.
11. Dine in the food court
Shopping centres in Australia have really high standards when it comes to dining. For less than $10 you can eat great sushi, dumplings, burgers, salads and more.
12. Have a barbecue
Just about every park in the country has free barbecues you can use. Grab some snags and set up for a budget lunch.
13. Buy a refillable water bottle
As people become aware of the environmental cost of plastic bottles, more cities are installing filtered water stations. Bring your own bottle and you’ll save your wallet as well as the planet.
14. Hit happy hour
Alcohol can be a big expense for travellers, so be smart with your drinks. Many pubs and bars will have a happy hour in the early evening with beer and wine from as little as $3.
15. Find the pub specials
$10 steak? $12 chicken parmagiana? Head to the pub during the week and you can take advantage of their cheap meal deal of the day. Some even come with a glass of wine or a beer!
16. Head to the uni suburbs
Students love a good deal, so if you can find a suburb close a university then you’ll be able to tale advantage of it. A quick Google search will point you in the right direction.
17. Shop the markets
Australians don’t have a tradition of haggling, but if you visit places like Paddy’s Market in Sydney or Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market you might be able to do a deal with the stallholders. Great for souvenirs.
18. Go local
Avoid shopping in the main tourist areas – these stores will almost always charge a premium. Head for the suburbs and find local designers or vintage boutiques.
19. Scope out the freebies
Most major museums and galleries are free to enter, though you may have to pay an additional fee for special exhibitions. You’ll have days and days of cut price entertainment.
20. Get the discount card
An iVenture card gives you flexible entry into multiple attractions for a big discount, sometimes up to 50%. It’s available for Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, and Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
How do you have on travel in Australia?
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